Insights into the world of divorce and family law matters

March 11, 2009

Imagine sitting at your computer and you are browsing the classified ads on Craiglist and suddenly you come across the following ad:

Nice well taken care of ex-wife. Mid 40's. Pretty and
loyal. Never smoked and very little drinking. Will make someone a good
companion (I know).... Will pay 10K to the man or woman who marries her
in a way that stops me from having to pay her alimony.

There's the hitch. The man, trying to end his alimony
payments to his ex-wife, is offering to pay a potential suitor to marry
his ex-wife. Not being totally callous, the guy actually had some
"terms and conditions" for this transaction.

1. This transaction offer only valid if she is not aware of it.

2. Must treat her good, no abuse tolerated by me.

3. This offer is null and void if it is determined to be illegal in any way -- I am not a lawyer.

4. The end result must be that I am no longer liable to her for alimony and you make best effort to be good to her.

5. This ad is not in any way intended to demean my ex-wife. She is a nice person and is a fine catch for anyone.

OOPS. I think the cat's out of the bag on condition #1. With news of the post hitting newspapers,
she or some friends might find out. He might also have a problem with
condition #3. At least he did not want to "demean" his ex-wife in any
way--what a guy.

In most states, if you are paying alimony
to your ex, don't use this tactic to end the alimony. Not only will it
fall flat in front of the judge, but you can be assured your ex will
not find the humor in being marketed on Craigslist.